Kampala — THE Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) chairperson, Margaret Ssekaggya, and six other commissioners have left office after their second term expired.

Ssekaggya, Fauzat Mariam Wangadya, Adrian Sibo, Constantine Kahwa Karusoke, Joel Aliro Omara, and Veronica Eragu Bichetero ceased being commissioners on Friday.

The 7th commissioner, the Rev. Fr. John Mary Waliggo, died of cancer of the stomach in April.

The team took over UHRC leadership at its inception in 1996. President Yoweri Museveni renewed their contracts when their first six-year terms expired in 2002.

Speaking at a farewell cocktail at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, the secretary, Gordon Mwesigye, called for the appointment of new members to ensure continuity.

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Khiddu Makubuya, said: "I hope those that will take over will not waiver in their commitment as you never did in protecting the human rights of Ugandans."

The deputy head of mission at the Norwegian embassy, Gjermund Saether, called upon the Government to protect the independence of the commission.

"As Uganda's development partners, we believe protection of human rights is paramount for achieving Uganda's development goals."

Saether commended the commission for fighting against torture and other forms of abuse.

"The commission's role as a watchdog has not been an easy one. UHRC has sometimes had to operate in a politically volatile environment," he observed.

Ssekaggya, who has since joined the UN, hailed her team for holding the Government accountable for its actions, which she said had improved the rule of law.